Static Caravan Owners' Rights & Park Disputes
Practical guidance on licence agreements, park charges, complaints, disputes and your rights as a static caravan owner.
Understanding Your Rights
Your rights will usually depend on your licence agreement, the type of park you are on and the circumstances of the issue.
If a dispute arises, start by checking your written agreement, park rules, invoices, letters and any other documents connected with the matter.
Licence Agreements
Your licence or pitch agreement is one of the most important documents you have as a static caravan or holiday lodge owner.
It may explain:
- How long the agreement lasts
- How and when site fees may change
- Rules about using the caravan
- Maintenance and insurance requirements
- Selling or transferring the caravan
- When the agreement may be terminated
- What happens when the agreement expires
Site Fees and Park Charges
Site fees are one of the main ongoing costs of owning a static caravan. Problems can arise when fees increase unexpectedly or when additional charges are introduced.
Check your agreement to understand what the site fee covers, when it may be reviewed and how any increase is calculated.
You should also check whether utilities, rates, maintenance or other services are included within the site fee or charged separately.
Read Our Site Fees GuideComplaints and Park Disputes
If something has gone wrong, it is usually best to raise the issue clearly and in writing as soon as reasonably possible.
Common disputes may involve:
- Unexpected fees or disputed charges
- Changes to park rules or opening periods
- Poor maintenance or services
- Selling or resale restrictions
- Pressure to upgrade or replace a caravan
- Termination or renewal disputes
- Failure to respond to reasonable concerns
Contract Terms Worth Checking Carefully
Take particular care with terms that appear to give the park very wide powers or impose significant restrictions on owners.
- Broad rights to increase fees or introduce new charges
- Rules that can be changed without clear explanation
- Restrictions on private sales
- High commission, removal or administration charges
- Requirements to replace or upgrade the caravan
- Very broad termination rights
- Terms referring to documents or rules you have not received
The presence of a term does not automatically mean that it is unlawful or unenforceable. Whether a particular term can be challenged will depend on the wording and circumstances.
Selling Your Static Caravan
Selling can become a source of dispute if the agreement places restrictions on how the caravan can be marketed or who can buy it.
Before selling, check:
- Whether private sales are permitted
- Whether the park must approve the buyer
- Whether commission is payable
- Any transfer or administration fees
- Age or condition restrictions
- Removal and disconnection charges
Termination and Notices
If you receive a warning, notice or letter saying that your agreement may be terminated, do not ignore it.
Read the notice alongside your agreement and check:
- What reason has been given
- What part of the agreement is being relied upon
- What notice period applies
- Whether you have been given an opportunity to resolve the issue
- What happens to your caravan if the agreement ends
- What costs may be charged for removal or disconnection
Changes to Park Rules
Park rules can cover matters such as pets, vehicles, visitors, letting, pitch appearance and use of facilities.
If a new rule is introduced, check your agreement to see how park rules form part of your contract and whether the operator has explained when and how they may be changed.
Holiday Use and Residential Use
A holiday caravan or lodge is not necessarily the same as a residential park home. Restrictions may apply to how the caravan can be used and whether it can be occupied as a main residence.
Check the park's planning position, site licence, park rules and your own agreement before relying on the caravan as your permanent home.
Read Our Holiday & Residential Use GuideKeep Good Records
Good evidence can make a significant difference when trying to resolve a dispute.
Keep copies of:
- Your licence or pitch agreement
- Park rules
- Invoices and payment records
- Letters and emails
- Photographs where relevant
- Notes of telephone calls or meetings
- Any important promises made in writing
What to Do If You Have a Dispute
- Check your agreement. Identify the section dealing with the issue.
- Gather your evidence. Keep relevant emails, invoices, letters and photographs together.
- Raise the issue in writing. Explain what has happened and what outcome you are seeking.
- Keep a record of the response. Save all correspondence and make notes of conversations.
- Get help if the issue remains unresolved. Further guidance or independent legal advice may be appropriate depending on the circumstances.
Need Help With a Holiday Park Problem?
NSCOU members can ask for guidance and support with park charges, licence agreements, complaints and other ownership disputes.
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